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The dolls were conceptualized as advertising pieces and were only obtainable from the Aunt Jemima Mills of St. Joseph, Missouri, in return of 25 cents in stamps or coins along with 4 box tops or backs from select Aunt Jemima products (proofs of purchase!). Dolls were then shipped promptly, postpaid upon receipt!
I have never come upon a complete, uncut set!!! Rather, these dolls are more typically found as "singletons" here and there by chance-- already cut, sewn, stuffed and played with as opposed to the pristine, complete, uncut versions offered here.
The set is in quite wonderful condition given its 93 years of age. The color of each doll remains amazingly crisp and brilliant! Mild foxing is noted here and there throughout. Fold lines are evident as well; HOWEVER, it must be noted that these fold marks are the result of ORIGINAL PACKAGING and SHIPMENT as these linen pieces were carefully folded to fit within a simple, small to medium-sized envelope when mailed out from the factory.
Additionally, a prior owner likely had framed these pieces as mild tape staining is noted on the backsides of each piece of linen, with some mild, tape-stain, bleed-through noted at the feet of Uncle Mose and Aunt Jemima on the front side. The set is truly in fine condition given its age and was obviously prized and very well cared for over the years.
Each figure is printed on its own, separate piece of linen. Aunt Jemima measures 10.5" wide by 35" long; Uncle Mose measures 10" wide by 35" long; Diana and Wade each measure 12.5" wide by 17.5" long.
A rare opportunity for the advanced collector to acquire an uncut, complete set of 1924, Aunt Jemima Family Advertising Rag Dolls!
This offering will be sold as a complete set ONLY; offers for individual pieces will not be entertained.
SOLD
In 1912, in a stroke of advertising genius, Mayo's Tobacco Company packaged their cut plug tobacco in round tins with a lithographed character. Each held 1 pound of tobacco. The tins were opened by removing the head!
These "Roly-Polys" were a unique shape that distinguished them from the rectangular and lunch box-shaped tins that surrounded them on store shelves. There were a number of different characters that were available, and smokers were encouraged to collect the entire set. The six original tins were the Satisfied Customer, the Storekeeper, the Singing Waiter, the Dutchman, Scotland Yard....and Mammy!
Mayo called this packaging a "Brownie" tin...apparently the company suggested that the tins be used as brownie containers after the tobacco was used, and designed them accordingly. They were never a plentiful tin, and today, are becoming increasingly more and more difficult to find.
The Mayo tobacco tins were distinguished by little packages of Mayo Cut Plug tobacco shown somewhere on the character. Notice that the Mammy tin has a tiny tobacco tin tucked into her front pocket.
Mammy's dimensions are 7"x7". She is in very good condition, as evidenced by the photos which clearly detail the very minor flaws she has acquired over her 100+ years of existence. Mammy's front side is nearly flawless, with just the teeniest paint rubs noted. **(Please note, that I was unable to avoid "white" glare in some of the photos which should not be misconstrued as damage.)**
Amazingly, Mammy still retains four separate remnants of the green US Internal Revenue paper tax stamp that are only rarely still found on Mayo Cut Plug "Brownies". They are noted on her back side on either side of the May Cut Plug tobacco package, as well as two smaller remnants directly below it. At first glance, these four tax remnants might be mistaken for areas of paint loss--not so!
Mammy's body has very, very minor, tiny spots of paint loss to the litho as seen in photos- primarily on her back side, and two small and subtle areas of denting on her front base that are noted via "touch" rather than visual appearance. The tin has no repaint. Some very light, superficial rusting is present inside the base.
The exterior base of the tin is labeled "made in factory # 42, in the 2nd District of Virginia".
**The depth of color is better viewed "in person" as opposed to what I was able to capture in a photo.**
A must-have addition to any SERIOUS Black Americana collection! This tin displays beautifully!!
SOLD
The sides of the rattle shackle are constructed of lateral “pockets” each containing one small, iron orb that would “rattle” when the wearer would move about.
Because this particular type of rattle shackle does not have iron loops or openings to “thread” iron chain through, it would have been attached to the ankle or wrist of a very young “house slave” who worked strictly inside the plantation house and thus was under very close supervision by the plantation owner and/or family members.
All original and untouched, an utterly horrible, tangible testament to the malevolence of slavery. A VERY RARE form of rattle shackle, even more particularly so due to its very small size!
Additionally, de-accessioned from the Middle Passage Museum is an ultra-rare set of 19th Century Slave Ship Shackles from a New Orleans, Louisiana, former slave trader estate! Please type the word "shackles" in the search box on our home page to find all sets of shackles currently being offered.
SOLD
Constructed of cardboard with black printing, this circa 1920-30s sign reads: " Coleman's Hotel Colored. Special Attention to Tourists. Ashland Virginia".
The sign remains in all-original condition inclusive of minor discoloration as noted in photos and small chips to the upper right and lower left corners. Print source is noted: "Herald-Progress Print, Ashland, VA".
This is NOT a reproduction, but rather a fortunate preservation. It is quite amazing that this sign has survived the many years being constructed out of cardboard. It was clearly stored away in such a manner that preserved its original condition.
Travel for African Americans during the Jim Crow period was difficult and complicated, with limited options for eating, sleeping, even procuring gasoline for the car. As a result, black-owned hotels and motels placed signs such as this one prominently in their windows. There were even special travel-guides to help African Americans plan their trips, hopefully, without incident. Victor Green's "Green Guide" provided state by state lists of colored hotels, motels and other travel-related businesses that catered to African-Americans.
Quite possibly the ONLY sign remaining extant from this particular, racially segregated establishment. An historically significant piece!
SOLD
Seldom found on today's Black Americana market, this piece comes out of a Chicago estate and was said to have been used in Chicago area Black Minstrel Shows.
The FOLK ART quality painting to this authentic banjo is wonderful, with little paint wear, and it depicts a smiling, pig-tailed, black man playing the very same model banjo! The name, "JoJo" is also hand-painted in red and pink on the front of the original leather banjo case.
The banjo does not bear a maker's mark, but is stamped "patent applied for" as noted in one photo. It measures 22 inches long x 8 inches wide at its widest point. The overall condition of the piece is quite remarkable given its 85+ years of age with expected age wear.
This phenomenal piece of BLACK MEMORABILIA from the BLACK MINSTREL SHOW era remains a RARE & IMPORTANT historical artifact, and is absolutely stunning as a Folk Art display piece!
SOLD
Offered is a fabulous and very seldom found World War I recruitment poster that honors the service of the African-American male Army Calvary soldier.
Tastefully rendered, this 17" x 20" paper lithographed poster on cardboard depicts a World War I African-American Calvary soldier bidding farewell to his proud sweetheart/wife as his regiment marches forward off to war in the background.
This rarely found poster is entitled, "COLORED MAN IS NO SLACKER". It was published in 1918 by S.G. Renesch of Chicago (thus printed in lower left hand corner), and is one of only two WWI recruitment posters that were published for the purpose of encouraging the enlistment of male African-Americans. The theme of the two different posters was to offer participation in the first World War as an opportunity for African Americans to demonstrate their patriotism and serve their country. (The second recruitment poster was entitled "True Sons of Freedom" and invoked the memory of Abraham Lincoln and the staunch bravery of black troops to inspire African Americans to enlist.)
The poster remains in its original, black-painted, wooden frame with glass, with original nails holding the poster in place in the back.
The poster remains in very fine condition for its 90+ years of age, showing some subtle wrinkling of paper to the lower 1/5th of the poster, likely the result of subjection to dampness, although, please note, that NO water staining is present.
This poster is a credit to the service of the many African-American men who so faithfully served and died to protect the liberty of the United States of America.
A must-have addition to one's Black Memorabilia or Militaria collection!
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Following the conclusion of World War II, the American Tobacco Company of Virginia changed its product name from Nigger Hair to Bigger Hair, seeking to broaden the product's marketing appeal as well as viewing the latter label as the more-socially acceptable one. (The earlier Nigger Hair moniker was used by the American Tobacco Company from the 1890's through the early, pre-WWII 1940s; the lithographed can was manufactured by the B. Leidersdorf Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.) Interestingly, the company DID NOT change the image of the African woman, but merely added the words Fiji Islander to the left of her face in its indifferent and weak attempt to move further away from the earlier, severely derogatory label.
Measuring 7 inches high x 5 3/4 inches wide, the photos provide a fine representation of condition. The container is in near-mint condition with a tiny rub here and there, and some very minor wear around the top of the container that likely occurred from simply taking the cover on and off. This wear is completely covered by the cover. The original orange color of the container remains consistent throughout, and the structural integrity of the cardboard is quite sturdy. The original wax bag which held the tobacco remains inside--highly unusual! The container retains most of its paper Federal Revenue Tobacco seal on either side and is dated February 26, 1926, Series 119, a tax stamp which was issued exclusively in 1949. Truly incredible condition given the age and material composition of this piece--- 69 years!!
This very rare tobacco container is just a wonderful example of latter Black Americana advertising and looks even better "in person" than the camera was able to capture with its lens!
If the Nigger Hair Tobacco container is currently in your collection, the addition of the Bigger Hair container will complete your collection from both a cultural and historical perspective! The Nigger Hair Tobacco container featured in the last photo has been SOLD.
SOLD
This awesome example dates to 1955, is painted and has a reflective finish on the large lettering. This sign is new-old-stock, was never used and was acquired directly from the family of the former proprietor of the now-defunct, Stanley, North Dakota, Rexall Pharmacy!!!
This beauty measures 36" long x 18" wide and was manufactured by the Continental Sign and Advertising Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It appears to be made of a galvanized metal, is pre-drilled for hanging and is in fine condition! There are a few faint manufacturing imperfections on the surface. The one worth mentioning is a 5 inch scratch by the letter "A" on the white painted word DAKOTA (the far right hand "A").
Ready for your collection! A fabulous, visually striking, pharmacy advertising piece!
SOLD
This Black Porter Pushing A Wheelbarrow amazingly still retains his original, red ribbon neckerchief. The windup mechanism is intact and holds a full wind...the man's legs are a little sluggish after 90+ years, but the toy does work.
This very difficult-to-find, Black Memorabilia toy measures 6" long, is approximately 2 3/4" wide and is 6" tall. Minor rubs to paint are present as noted in photos, but this paint loss is insignificant given the age of this toy.
A fine addition to one's Black Memorabilia collection!
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The game features a brightly colored lithograph target depicting an African-American Gent to the left and a Caucasian Clown to the right, each with wide, gaping, open mouths in which one is to aim a ball.
This brightly lithographed cardboard game retains its 3 original wooden balls as well as cardboard cover, box, and target piece.
Measuring 13 inches square, the game displays wonderfully! As evident in the photos, the box cover and bottom show expected edge wear and many years back, the box corners were reinforced with tape. In the center of the box cover, a puncture is evident (see photo) that does not go through to the inside. The interior target piece does not show the same level of wear as it was protected by the cover and box bottom. The box cover is marked on the bottom, "Milton Bradley Company, Springfield, Mass. USA" and "Made in USA 4682".
A RARELY found, quite visually captivating Black Memorabilia collectible!
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This beautiful pharmacy display is in very nice, all-original condition including the lovely sculptured glass finial with stopper!
The show globe measures about 21 inches high and and is capable of holding the colored water if so desired! The finial's ground stopper retains its original rubber cork and smoothly fits into the ground neck of the globe. Very minor interior hazing of the finial is present.
The sleek architectural lines of the show globe's stunning aluminum stand exemplifies the epitome of Art Deco design! Some very faint wear and use imperfections commensurate with its age are noted. Slight interior blue haze line noted by the upper portion of globe.
So very difficult to find in this all-original condition complete with finial and stand. A simply gorgeous and iconic Art Deco drug store advertising display piece!
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This unsigned and undated piece of art was executed with very soft lines whereby no edge seems sharp- not the counter edge, or the lids of the jars, or the heavy black iron grates of the gas stove. Painted in predominantly darkened hues of blues, silvery-whites and grays, pops of red appear in the freshly canned strawberries and hints of yellow emerge in the window curtain and in earthenware bowl that the young girl works out of, all culminating in the creation of an ethereal effect of calm and serenity.
This lovely piece is generous in size with the visual dimensions of the actual watercolor measuring 15" in height x 26.75" in length. The watercolor is double-matted with an 1/8" wide interior mat in a neutral earth-tone surrounded by a cream-colored, 2 3/4" wide mat that is further complemented with an etched, earth-tone, single line simulating the demarcations of a false third mat- very clever! (see photos) The extraordinarily sturdy, warm-toned, hardwood frame measures 1 3/4" wide with the total framed measurement of this piece approximately 25" in height x 36" wide. The backside of the frame features an Estate Sale, stringed-tag stating the provenance of this piece: "From the Greenwich CT home of Gayle King".
It must be noted that all photographs were taken through the glass of this framed piece, so multiple photographic angles are provided in the attempt to reduce distortion in the photos from light reflection off the glass. Please ignore any variations in color or shading - all are strictly the result of unavoidable light reflection.
Please also note that because this item would be classified as oversized by delivery carriers due to its weight (approx 11 lbs) and its length and width measurements, this item does not qualify for free shipping.
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Measuring 5 1/8 inches tall with soap dish attached, Mammy's colors- her deep red dress, mustard yellow shawl, and yellow and red polka dot head scarf- remain vibrant and brilliant with a wonderful old patina! Her face features large, dark eyes and a smiling, red mouth.
The soap dish is designed to be removed, and its anchoring cast iron peg fits into a hole atop Mammy's head. The exterior of the soap dish is cast to resemble a wicker laundry basket and is painted a slightly lighter-toned, mustard yellow.
A delightful, vintage piece of early Black Americana in premium condition!
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The case contains a total of 53 medicines, all of which are empty. Two of the vials are rather scarce Parke Davis examples: #359, CHORODYNE containing INDIAN CANNABIS and MORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE, and a second vial labeled #454 NEURALGIC INDIAN CANNABIS. Additionally, the case contains six vials labeled OPIUM, and one vial labeled MORPHINE.
Of the 53 vials, 28 are labelled screw cap examples, plus 20 labelled corked vials and 5 clear glass apothecary bottles, some of which sport a hand written label.
All but one vial displays PARKE DAVIS & CO. on its label plus a description of the vial's contents and dose. Additionally, some note the Food & Drug Act of 1906 or U.S.P. of 1890 on the label. There are 2 POISONS among the vials which carry distinct, red colored labels.
The vials measure approximately 4.5 inches long, are empty, and are in very nice condition including labels. Of the five, 4.5 inch apothecary bottles, two have small chips on the bottom, another has cracked glass at the base (base still intact), and the remaining two are in fine condition.
The heavy leather doctor's case measures 10.5" long x 5.75" wide x 5.5" high and overall demonstrates a nice patina with wear commensurate with age and use. The interior is composed of six distinct compartments, four containing all of the medicines, one containing numerous, small paper packets in which to house dispensed medicines, and one quite small, rectangular compartment with its own lid that may have once held small instruments such as a tweezer or perhaps a tiny folding scale. The leather at the top of the case (the section holding the handle) is completely separated at the front edge fold mark above the 2 locks. This same section is also partially separated (approx 4 inches) along the back top edge (see photos).
A very choice piece with cannabis, narcotics, poisons and documented ownership from a New York City physician!
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This fine, walnut, twenty-five compartment case houses twenty three medicine bottles, most of which are embossed FRASER & CO, with a few marked FRASER. A total of seventeen of the bottles sport original, early labels. Three other bottles have hand-written labels, and the remainder are unlabeled- one of which has no embossing. There are a total of six amber bottles, two of which are corked and without labels, while four are complete, inclusive of paper labels. Some of the bottles are partially filled with tablets. Please see photos to view the various medicine labels, one of which is OPIUM.
The walnut cabinet measures 11" W x 10.5" D x 6.25" H, and is in nice condition with a split on the front top that can be restored if desired. The finish has a lovely, warm patina, and the brass escutcheon bears just the right amount of oxidation. A wonderful addition to any collection!
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Dressed in a machine-stitched, worn-in-places (see photos), black velvet pants and shirt complete with red chain stitch accenting, the doll, Othello, also sports an original and very well-worn red velvet hat and a very frail, pair of original, black leather shoes.
Othello's face is interestingly expressive with hand-stitched black eyes and eye lashes, hand-sewn, red satin lips, and a three-dimensional nose! His hair is fashioned from wool yarn which has selectively faded in places resulting in a salt and pepper look of light tan and black.
Othello's body is fashioned of firm, cotton-batting-stuffed, black sateen cotton that has been machine stitched. As indicated earlier, Othello's red velvet gathered hat or beret is quite delicate in condition with wear, fading and splitting of the cloth quite evident (see photos). His right leather shoe remains firmly tied in place despite the wear evident to it (see photos) and only one half of the left shoe exists (again, see photos). Othello's neck has also experienced some loosening over time from the vicinity of his shoulders making his head wobbly when not supported. This can be repaired-- or not -- if desired by the new owner.
Despite his flaws, Othello, given his approximate 111 years of age, remains a beautifully-fashioned and an historically-interesting example of a folk-art-inspired, black cloth doll fashioned over a century ago to appeal to upper class clientele of the turn of the twentieth century, given the very fine attention to detailing evident in both his crafting and creation.
SOLD
Remaining in its original frame, this watercolor retains its vibrant color. A lovely piece of Black Americana executed with some naivete!
Please ignore any white streaks seen in photos; these are the result of light reflection off of the glass.
SOLD
This device is French and is called the CHAPIREAU'S CACHETEUR. The box houses fillers, compressors, a moistening dish, and an automatic handle used for holding and ejecting the filled cachet. Additionally, the 12 nickel-plated molds are housed on the underside of the box lid.
The maple box measures 9.5"L x 4.5"W x 3"H, and the automatic handle is a diminutive 3.25" tall.
Antique, early pharmacy implements such as this rarely survive due to their heavy, everyday use. To find such a device in this condition is a scarcity!